A blog by Brittany Evans, Conveyancing Assistant
Brittany Evans joined Oliver & Co Solicitors as a Conveyancing Assistant earlier this year. She shares what the firm’s move to employee ownership means to her.
I realised on my first day at Oliver & Co that this was where I was meant to be and any initial nerves I had melted away. It was such a change from some of the part time jobs in offices I had when I was studying, when I wasn’t treated very well. This is the first job I’ve had where I really look forward to going to work every day.
I had only worked here for a few months when the plans to move to employee ownership were shared. I hadn’t heard of employee ownership before, but as soon as I understood what it was all about, I realised what a positive move it was going to be for everyone who works here. It also seemed to fit in really well with what I’d already learned about the firm – that everyone is treated well and valued.
It is very early days for us as an employee owned company, but I already feel very motivated to help my team meet its targets, and to look for ways to cut down costs and become more efficient.
The biggest thing though, is that I know I have a voice in the firm, and that what I think and any suggestions I make, will be considered on a par with more senior colleagues. It is fantastic to know that someone’s job title or age doesn’t mean that they matter more than someone else. Employee ownership removes that hierarchy. We all make a valuable contribution and that is recognised by everyone sharing profits equally.
We had a meeting with David, the former owner, the other day, and he asked us all what our ideas were because it wasn’t just down to him and the leadership team anymore. I really enjoyed that feeling of making a contribution. Even smaller decisions like the choice of free fruit for staff has been opened up, and we get to share our thoughts.
In the future I hope to secure a training contract here at Oliver & Co and eventually become a solicitor. I see a long-term future here and, by becoming an employee owner, I know this is definitely the firm for me!
